Blood test for detecting colorectal cancers

Study background

Colorectal cancer is the second most common internal cancer in Australia in men and women. Currently, a colonoscopy is used to confirm the occurrence of colorectal cancers. 

This research study is looking at seeing if a blood test can be as effective at detecting colorectal cancers compared to a colonoscopy. Hopefully, this would reduce the needs for an invasive procedure in the future and help with earlier detection.

Study Details

The study would require participants to visit the clinic for up to 30 minutes for only one visit. We would complete basic measurements such as your height and weight and ask a few quick questions about your medical history and family’s medical history. We would then draw a blood sample and if you have not done a Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) in the last 180 days we would require you to do it at home and send it back to us, this is the same test the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program sends out each year to do at home. Following your colonoscopy, we would ask that you send us a copy of your result to see how effective the blood test was at detecting colorectal cancers.

You may also be reimbursed for your time and involvement in the research study.

Eligibility criteria

  • Aged between 40 and 85 years
  • Scheduled for a colonoscopy in the next 90 days OR
  • Diagnosed with colorectal cancer and progressing to surgery, chemo, or radiation therapy in the next 30 days